(Cover) - EN Showbiz - James Franco nearly lost his part in 127 hours because the director didnt like his haircut.

The star plays climber Aron Ralston, who had to cut off his own arm with a pen-knife when he became trapped by rock, in the new movie.

The gory film has generated an Oscar buzz, but director Danny Boyle nearly didnt cast fluffy-topped James because he thought his hair style was distracting.

"I did a screen test which was a speech that would eventually become one of the video diaries in the movie," James said. "I did it twice but I noticed when Danny was watching it back on screen he was covering my hair. The hair wasn't quite right.

The 32-year-old American realises he was lucky to get the role of the now legendary extreme sportsman Aron because he didnt match the climber in physique.

James said he and Danny - who has also directed Slumdog Millionaire - came to a mutual understanding on the matter in the end.

I think he liked the performance but I didn't quite physically fit Aron, James admitted. We managed to get around it eventually." (C) Cover Media